TEL AVIV, Israel (Diya TV) — American-Israeli soldier Edan Alexander, 21, was released Monday by Hamas after more than 19 months in captivity in Gaza. Alexander, the last known living American hostage in the enclave, was handed over to the Red Cross in Khan Younis and later transferred to Israeli forces, who reunited him with his family and brought him to a Tel Aviv hospital for medical evaluation.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) shared footage of a smiling Alexander embracing his parents, Adi and Yael, following his release. He appeared in good spirits, even cracking a joke to his mother over the phone shortly after his release, according to the Associated Press. “He seemed like a man. He has matured,” his grandmother, Varda Ben Baruch.
Alexander was captured on October 7, 2023, during Hamas’ attack on southern Israel that killed 1,200 people and resulted in about 250 hostages being taken, according to Israeli authorities. His hometown of Tenafly, New Jersey, erupted in celebration Monday, with residents gathering in Huyler Park to watch the reunion unfold live.
The Israeli military paused operations in Gaza Monday to allow for Alexander’s safe release, NBC News reported. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office emphasized it was not a ceasefire but a temporary safe corridor, stating, “Negotiations will continue under fire.”
The release came after days of intensive backchannel diplomacy involving the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey. U.S. special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, confirmed to NBC News that the Biden administration had worked tirelessly to secure Alexander’s release, bypassing Israeli negotiators at times.
Former President Donald Trump, who is currently visiting the Middle East with stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, praised the release as a diplomatic success. “This was a step taken in good faith toward ending this very brutal war and returning all hostages and remains to their loved ones,” he posted on Truth Social.
Trump also congratulated Alexander’s family and expressed interest in meeting with him during his upcoming visit to Qatar, subject to the soldier’s health and personal wishes. The Trump administration’s involvement has been central, with both Netanyahu and Trump highlighting the “diplomatic pressure” applied by Washington as key to Alexander’s release.
Hamas confirmed the release in a statement, calling it part of broader efforts to secure a ceasefire and reopen humanitarian aid routes into Gaza. Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya said the deal had been facilitated by Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, and added the group was ready for intensive negotiations to end the war and exchange prisoners.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog hailed the release, saying on X, formerly Twitter, “Israel is founded on a profound commitment to mutual responsibility, and we are obligated to continue doing everything in our power to bring back all the hostages.”
Alexander’s return is seen as a rare moment of unity amid growing diplomatic strain. Netanyahu’s office said a negotiation team will travel to Doha this week to pursue talks for the remaining 58 hostages, fewer than half of whom are believed to be alive. The Israeli government remains committed to continuing its military campaign in Gaza until all hostages are released and Hamas is dismantled.
As of Monday, over 52,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the war began, according to the enclave’s health ministry. Israeli strikes in the past 24 hours alone killed 33 people and injured 94, officials told NBC News.
Professor Gil Fire of Sourasky Medical Center in Tel Aviv, where Alexander is undergoing evaluation, said the former hostage appears “stable overall.” He was born in the same hospital 21 years ago.
Now back home after 583 days in captivity, Edan Alexander’s release marks a pivotal, emotionally charged moment in an ongoing conflict that continues to shape the region and its fragile diplomacy.
